THE REVERT 21

 If Brian would be the person he was 2 months ago, he wouldn't have hesitated as much as he is doing now. May be it's the change of his religion or the utmost respect toward Ruby that stopped him from fulfilling Ruby's request. 'Most likely she is not thinking clearly.' Brian thought while taking a sip of the coffee in the cafeteria of the hospital. He could imagine the embarrassment that Ruby will face if he gets the clothes for her as she requested. He wanted to help but how. He threw the coffee cup in the trash can and started walking toward the nursery. 

" Let me take care of the baby for few hours." Brian requested. Ruby didn't reply, she is still sitting in the chair facing the baby crib. A minute later, Brian repeated his question but still didn't get any answer for it. Brian looked around to find a nurse nearby to check on Ruby, ' May be she is sleeping' he thought. Other than the male nurse in the far corner of the room, no female was in sight. Brian hesitated and looked at his watch, it's almost 9 pm. No wonder! Not too many people work in the night shift. He tried once again to call Ruby but she didn't buzz. Brian walked toward the chair. As soon as he put his hand on Ruby's shoulder, Ruby leaned forward. Brian grabbed her and called for help. 

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"Her blood pressure was really low." the doctor replied. 

" Did she eat anything in the past day or two?"

-" I am sorry. I have no idea but she was taking care of my friend's wife. She passed away in the morning in this hospital."

-" I am sorry for your loss. But you have to take care of her now. I heard she was taking care of the baby ever since she came in. Make sure she eats and drinks enough. You are are husband right?" The doctor asked.

-"No. I only know her through my friend. Don't worry I'll take care of that."

After the doctor left, Brian was in dilemma. He couldn't talk to her even if he wanted to. There is huge wall in the the religion that keeps a woman like Ruby protected from any sort of outside male contact. He could probably ask steve's girlfriend but very less chance that she would help. These two never have a decent relationship between them. 

May be Ruby's parents can help. Brian called Gilman to ask for the Mahad's number. After two rings Mahad Nasr picked up. 

-" Hello Mr Nasr. This Brian Thomas."

- Mahad Nasr didn't bother with the formal conversation, " Why did you call?" 

-Brian felt he is about to loose his temper again. Somehow he calmed it down and replied, " I called to tell you about your daughter Ruby."

-"Hasn't she died yet?" Mahad Nasr asked. The hatred was evident in his voice.

After hearing him, Brian felt it totally unnecessary to tell him anything about Ruby. How could a father think like that about his own daughter? How can a father wish the death of his own child? The child who is sacrificing everything to take care of someone else's child. His own father is at least 10 times better than this guy.

- " Hello! Are you still there?" Mahad asked as he didn't get any reply from the other end.

-" Yes, I am here. I called to tell you that we are getting married. Now you are officially my father in law. You are a grand father as well. Ruby adopted a baby girl. You guys should definitely celebrate!" Brian said without thinking the the consequence of it.' No matter what the life brings now, I am ready to face it. But can't let you get out of my life.' Brian thought.

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It's been 10 minutes Ruby woke up from her sleep. She is trying to figure out where she is at. The minute she realized that she is in the hospital, hurriedly she started looking for something to cover herself with other than the blanket. The nurse moved the curtain and greeted her with smile. 

-" Oh you woke up! You must be hungry. Do you have headache." The nurse asked, the smile is still glued to her face. Ruby wondered whether this nurse always treat everyone the same way!

- " Still a bit of headache. Where is the the baby?" Ruby didn't feel like talking about the food right now. Her motherly feeling taking over every bit of her. 

- " Oh! Don't worry! Your husband is with the baby right now. He asked me to make sure you eat." The nurse still managed to keep her smile on.

But Ruby was stunned! Did she hears it right? Did the nurse really mentioned about her husband? ' May be the weakness is taking over me. I should eat something. I am hallucinating!' Ruby thought to herself.

After the nurse put the food down in front of her, Ruby asked, " can you get me something to cover please? My religion doesn't really allow me to stay uncovered like this and any male doctor or nurse can come in anytime. I don't what to be exposed like this. I would really appreciate if you help me."

- " I'll see what I can do. Don't worry about the male healthcare providers. Your husband specifically requested for only female. Also this screen." The nurse pointed toward the white room dividers around Ruby's bed which Ruby hasn't noticed yet.  The nurse continued, " Even if they open the curtain, you are not exposed. That's a real possessive husband you got there!" The middle-aged nurse winked with the smile and left.

-" Husband!!!" Ruby muttered. " Who the hell is this?"

To be continued